Festival of Books returns in person at University of San Diego

The San Diego Union-tribune’s Festival of Books returns in person on Saturday, Aug. 20, for the first time since 2019.

The free one-day event will feature panel sessions in USD’S Shiley Theatre, Peace and Justice Theatre, Learning Commons and more. Activities includes a children’s stage with readings and fun things to do, as well as poetry readings, art and writing workshops, music and entertainment, and Spanish-language and bilingual programming. The festival is free except for a few ticketed panels. Registration is required for all panels.

FESTIVAL KICKOFF AND ONE BOOK, ONE SAN DIEGO ANNOUNCEMENT

Saturday’s festival will kick off at 10 a.m. with welcome messages from The San Diego Union-tribune Publisher Jeff Light, and USD Senior Vice President and Provost Gail F. Baker, PH.D., followed by KPBS’S announcement of the “One Book, One San Diego” selection. The KPBS book program, now in its 16th year, is designed to bring the community together in a shared reading experience and encourage meaningful discussions. Visit the KPBS booth to purchase the 2022 adult, teen and kid’s selection.

AUTHORS AND BOOK SIGNINGS

More than 75 authors will be participating in this year’s festival in categories that include adult fiction, adult non-fiction, children’s and young adult books, as well as Spanish-language and bilingual offerings. Attendees are encouraged to visit the festival’s independent bookstore partners, which include USD Torero Bookstore, Warwick’s, The Book Catapult, Mysterious Galaxy, The Library Shop, UC San Diego Bookstore, DIESEL, A Bookstore and Libélula Books & Co. Each bookstore will host a series of book signings and books will be available for purchase.

ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT

Activities from our partners will be located throughout the campus including STEM activities hosted by the San Diego Public Library and sponsored by SDCCU, an arts and craft station by The Salvation Army Kroc Center and more! Live music will be at the entertainment stage and food is available for purchase.

GAMES, GIVEAWAYS AND MORE!

Other interactive activities include trivia games, a photo booth and giveaways. Event merchandise is available for purchase on site. Stop by The San Diego Union-tribune booth to participate in a scavenger hunt. All participants will be entered a raffle to win a grand prize!